Pocket. I have a habit of losing good knives and good sunglasses so I have two rough rider copperheads that I rotate. I carried my granddads old timer for years and I hope to find it one day whereever I left it.
Danny in Dallas,Ga.
I usually take the clips off and pocket carry. I've had knives clipped in my pocket and belt that've fallen off in crowded places, causing people to look at me quizzically (this was back in the 1980's, when people would raise an eyebrow rather than phone the police for things like that).
If it goes in your pocket then it the answer you'd put is POCKET. If, on the other hand, it clips, then the answer is CLIP. Alternatively, if it has a sheath? Pick a different knife to use to answer the question (assuming it doesn't "clip" on the belt and instead, the belt straps though the sheath). :)
Both for me, I carry a slim Pine Knot stockman for a "general purpose" knife and a little buck thumbstud folder clipped to my back pocket as a "food" knife. Woudn't care much if I damage or hurt the stockman or even lost it as it was a $5.00 knife. Otherwise I have not been bad about losing them only about forgetting them in my pocket when going to the airport. I have lost 3 swiss army knives that way.
I also carry a carbon fiber boot knife when I wear my boots.
For my choice it would be BOTH..... I create an inner pocket within my front pockets by sewing a strip of stiff fabric along the rear of the pocket, secured only at the side ends of the strip. This way I can clip my knife in the same carry position inside the pocket as when it is clipped to the outside of the pocket. This method works well with dress and side-vent style trousers, as the "pocket" knife is not flopping around or interacting with other items in the pocket. Thin leather or plastic (Kydex or such) could also be used instead of fabric to carry bigger knives in deeper pockets.
For those with traditional small knives (grandpas, toenails, etc..) the fabric strip could also be secured along its bottom edge to hold the knife higher up in the pocket for easier access.
My Spyderco Salt I in yellow will always be clipped on my belt when I'm driving. On the belt with my cell phone while sitting in the car, it is always accessible. When needed, I don't have to fumble for it since it's always in the same position, unhindered by clothing and reachable with just a bend of the elbow.
And as soon as I park, the Salt goes into my roomy jeans pocket. It wouldn't be funny if my knife were to be unclipped accidentally (or even unknowingly), a scenario that's probable on a clipped knife where it could catch on objects when one is moving around a lot. The Salt is stowed inside my front jeans pocket, but in a homemade 2" high pouch to fit the Salt in a vertical position, right beside a Boker Wharcom. Aside from positioning the handles just right, the pouch also keeps away most of the lint that resides on the bottom of most pockets. A higher front on the pouch also minimizes the "signature or profile of a knife", making it more politically correct here in sunny California. Incidentally, both the Salt and the Wharcom are skinny yet offer a good firm grip. I was also thinking of including a blade sharpener with the pouch, but my infrequent hard use doesn't justify it (also thanks to the steels of both knives). Besides, the 3rd item would hinder a "fast draw", could confuse your fingers, even poke against them. A note when kneeling - be aware and bend the knee where your knife sits above. This keeps your knife thigh straight.
Kudos to KG Cook for his style of improvisation with the "inner pocket". It's definitely a good idea that's worth trying out. Thanks!